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Engineering Geology

Metamorphic Rocks

Hussien Al - deeky 1
Engineering Geology
Definition
Metamorphic rock is the result of the transformation of an existing rock type, the
protolith (parent rock), in a process called metamorphism, which means
"change in form".
When the pre-existing rocks (sedimentary or igneous rock) are subjected to
increased temperature, pressure and action of chemically active fluids,
metamorphic rocks are formed. During metamorphism re-crystallization of
mineral constituent takes place, as a result new minerals and new texture are
produced.
The metamorphic processes generally improve the engineering behavior of these
rocks by increasing their hardness and strength. Nevertheless, some
metamorphic rocks still can be problematic. Some metamorphic rocks are
foliated, which means they have oriented grains similar to bedding plains in
sedimentary rocks. These foliation is important because the shear strength is less2
for stresses acting parallel to the foliation
Engineering Geology

for engineering works, and are similar to intrusive igneous rocks in their quality.
However, some foliated rocks are prone to slippage along the foliation planes. Schist is
the most notable in this regard because of its strong foliation ad the presence of mica.
The 1928 failure St.Fancis Dam in California has been partially attributed to shearing
in schist and the 1959 failure of Malpasset dam in France to shearing in a schistose
gneiss.

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Types of Metamorphism

1-Contact metamorphism (Heat)is the name given to the changes that take
place when magma is injected into the surrounding solid rock. The changes
that occur are greatest wherever the magma comes into contact with the rock
because the temperature are highest at this boundary and decrease with
distance from it. Around the igneous rock that forms from the cooling magma
is a metamorphosed zone called a contact metamorphism aureole.

-shale may become a dark argillaceous


hornfels,

-Limestone may change to a grey, yellow or


greenish lime-silicate-hornfels or siliceous
marble,

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2-Regional metamorphism (heat &pressure)


is the name given to changes in great masses of rock over a wide area. Rock
can be metamorphosed simply by being at great depths below the earth’s
surface, subjected to high temperatures and the great pressure caused by
the immense weight of the rock layers above. Much of the lower continental
crust is metamorphic.

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3-Dynamic metamorphism (pressure)

Dynamic metamorphism occurs along fault zones where rocks


have been altered by high differential pressure. Rocks formed by
dynamic metamorphism are restricted to narrow zones adjacent
to faults and are known as Mylonites . Mylonites are commonly
hard, dense, fine-grained, and contain thin laminations.

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Factors Controlling Metamorphism

1-Heat Most important agent


•Two sources of heat
–Contact metamorphism – heat from magma
–An increase in temperature with depth due to the geothermal gradient 15-30o C
increase per km
2-Pressure and differential stress
•Confining pressure applies forces equally in all directions; increases with depth
•Rocks may also be subjected to differential stress which is unequal in different
directions
3-Chemically active fluids
•Mainly water with other volatile components
•Aids in re-crystallization of existing minerals
4-Sources of fluids
–Pore spaces of sedimentary rocks
–Fractures in igneous rocks
–Hydrated minerals such as clays and micas 12
Engineering Geology

the same Protoliths experience different conditions of temperature


and pressure, they will yield different metamorphic rocks

Heat
Basalt Pressure

Greenschist Eclogite
Metamorphic Grade

High-grade (extreme)
metamorphism: radical
changes in texture and/or
mineral composition of the
rock

Low Intermediate
Low-grade (mild) metamorphism: High
small changes in texture and/or
mineralogy of parent rock (200 to
350 OC )
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Engineering Geology
Rock texture changes

1-Foliation: layering or banded appearance produced by


exposure to heat and directed pressure
common foliated rock

Foliated: Slate
• Parallel orientation of grains
• Low grade metamorphic, slaty texture
• Protolith: shale/mudstone

Foliated: Phyllite
• Very fine grained mica
• Barely macroscopic
• Crenulated parallelism, sheen
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Foliated: Chlorite Schist
• Mid-grade metamorphic rock
• Schistose texture

Foliated: Muscovite Schist

Foliated: Garnet Schist

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Foliated: Gneiss
• High grade metamorphic
• Gneissic banding: 1mm to cm’s scale
• Protolith: Shale, mudstone, igneous rock

Non-Foliated and Foliated: Amphibolite


• Coarse grained, high grade
• Protolith : Mafic and Ultramafic
igneous rocks

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Non-Foliated: Marble
• CaCO3
• Metamorphosed
. limestone!

Non-Foliated: Quartzite
• Metamorphism of sandstone

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Engineering Considerations of Metamorphic Rocks
(1)The metamorphic rocks also have the Alkali-silica reaction
problem when used as aggregates with Portland cement. The
metamorphic rocks with this problem are argillite, phyllite, impure
quartzite, and granite gneiss;

(2)Coarse-grained gneiss can be abraded severely when used as


aggregates

(3)For metamorphic rocks the stability of rock mass greatly affected


by the foliation orientation;

(4)Marble as a metamorphic rock from carbonate sedimentary rocks


can cause similar problems, eg., leakage of reservoirs, sinkhile
collapse, solution cavities, and channels

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